Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition that affects the arteries outside of the heart, primarily in the legs. It occurs when these arteries become narrowed or blocked due to atherosclerosis, commonly called "hardening of the arteries." As plaque, consisting of fat, cholesterol, and other materials, builds up, it can restrict blood flow, causing various symptoms like pain, numbness, and, in severe cases, tissue damage.
Several factors can increase one's risk of developing PAD. These include smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle. It’s also worth mentioning that gender and aging may also play a role, with more men than women and seniors developing the condition.
At Vascular Care Specialists, we provide the skilled care required to support optimal wellness and protect and enhance overall vascular health. Our professional team provides patients with the information and resources they need to manage PAD risk factors and help reduce the likelihood of severe disease.
From leg discomfort when walking or exercising to foot pain, skin ulcers on the feet or toes, stroke, or heart attack, PAD can result in various symptoms and complications.
Early diagnosis is crucial— allowing for timely intervention to prevent complications like ulcers, infections, or even limb loss. By identifying PAD early, our vascular surgeons can implement treatments to improve blood flow, alleviate symptoms, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, thereby enhancing the patient's quality of life.
At Vascular Care Specialists, we provide personalized care to support optimal wellness. When developing an appropriate treatment plan for PAD, we consider the severity of the condition and an individual's overall health.
In mild cases, lifestyle modifications such as quitting smoking, exercising regularly, and following a healthy diet can sometimes be sufficient. Medications like cholesterol-lowering drugs, blood thinners, or medications to improve blood flow, as appropriate, may also be prescribed.
While more severe cases may need minimally invasive procedures like angioplasty or stenting may be performed to open the blocked arteries, more advanced cases might require surgical interventions like bypass surgery or endarterectomy (removal of plaque).
Besides playing a vital role in the comprehensive diagnosis and initial management of peripheral artery disease, we provide ongoing monitoring and follow-up care to ensure the condition remains adequately managed and any needed adjustments are made.
